Tree-Cutting Homeowners Agree To $135K Settlement

Two Gresham couples accused of boldly cutting down, pruning or damaging 44 trees in a protected natural area to improve views from their homes have agreed to settle a lawsuit for $135,000. According to court documents made public Monday, David and Alyce Hadeed El-Khal agreed to pay $125,000 of the settlement. The money is coming from their insurance companies -- Safeco Insurance and Valley Property & Casualty Insurance. The remaining $10,000 has been paid by Stephen and Judith Brugh, who live alongside the El-Khals on Gresham Butte.